Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.  It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day. In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, family gatherings. Some Americans use Memorial Day to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen.

Major General THOMAS  P.  BOSTICK  assumed command of U.S. Army Recruiting Command Oct. 12, 2005. He is responsible for more than 13,000 Soldiers and Civilians assigned throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East with the primary mission of meeting the Army’s recruiting goals.

Prior to his current assignment, General Bostick served as Commander, Gulf Region Division in Baghdad, Iraq, where he was responsible for over $18 billion in reconstruction, with more than 3,000 projects in economic areas including oil, electricity, water, security, health care, education, and transportation from June 2004 to July 2005. Before that he was the Assistant Division Commander-Maneuver, and then Assistant Division Commander-Support, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, August 2002 to June 2004, where he was responsible for training, logistical support, and deployment of more than 25,000 Soldiers. He deployed with the division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Previous staff assignments include: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at West Point; White House Fellow, serving as a special assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1989; Executive Officer to the Chief of Engineers, June 1993 to June 1994; Executive Officer to the Army Chief of Staff, June 1999 to May 2001; Deputy Director of Operations for the National Military Command Center, J-3, the Joint Staff, in the Pentagon from May 2001 to August 2002, including the events of September 11th and initiation of operations in Afghanistan.

General Bostick holds Master’s Degrees in both Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Joint and Army Staff Identification Badges.

Discounted COUPONS to enter Lake Compounce on Memorial Day weekend can be obtained at the following locations:

         *    All Crowley auto dealerships (in Bristol, Plainville and West Hartford)
       *    Bardell's Village Chef on Main Street in Plymouth
       *    Waterbury Armed Forces Recruiting Station

Lake  Compounce  Parking  Lot 
Exhibitors'  Location

A)   US Air Force
B)   US Marine Corps
C)   Vintage Military Vehicles
D)   US Army 947st  FST
E)   West Point Honor Guard / Old Guard  (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
F)   US Army
G)   WCCC Hummer
H)   US Army 10th Mtn Black Hawk
I)   Military Museum Display
J)   US Coast Guard
K)   US Navy IBU22
L)   Non Military Vendors

In Recognition of the 4th Annual Bristol Veterans’ Council
and the City of Bristol Memorial Day
 
Weekend Commemoration Event

WHEREAS:         the City of Bristol has the 5^th largest veterans population in the state of Connecticut and continue to display unparalleled patriotism; and

WHEREAS:         Major General Thomas Bostick, Commanding General Recruiting Command graciously agreed to participate in the day’s events as well as Brigadier General Glenn Lesniak, Commanding General 94^th Regional Readiness Command; and

WHEREAS:         in an unprecedented appearance, members of the Old Guard from the Tomb of the Unknowns will perform a wreath laying ceremony in honor of all Bristol Veterans.; and

WHEREAS:         the City of Bristol and Bristol Veteran’s Council acknowledge the continued support of veterans activities and events; with this support culminating in the hosting of this Memorial Day event,; and

NOW THEREFORE,
Be it resolved that I, Arthur J. Ward, Mayor of the City of Bristol, do hereby recognize the veterans of Bristol Connecticut, past and present, for their courageous and selfless giving to the protection of the United States of America and ask the citizens of Bristol to always be supportive of its veterans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Great Seal of the City of Bristol to be affixed this 25^th day of May in the year of Our Lord two thousand eight.

Arthur J. Ward
Mayor, City of Bristol

	Memorial  Day  2008
(L)  Pat Nelligan, Chairman    Amy Talit, Director Public Relations	(R)  James L. Laney, SGT 1st Class	(L)  Madeleine Bauer,      Cliff Carlson	(L)  David Corello, Diane Corello
Jerry Chamberland	ARMY  FIRE  TRUCK	ARMY  EQUIPMENT	SEA  SCOUTS  TEAM
ARMY  HELICOPTER	(L)  BG Glen Lesniak ISG John Baskenosik SGT Warren Steel CPL  English	(Back L)   Rosas Staff Sgt Cruz CP Edward Pelkey Staff Sgt Thompson	(L)   Henry Raymond State Rep. Frank Nicastro Mr. Thompson, US Army